It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Gwenda Lee Cissell of Lepanto, AR — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
What you read below is one part of a life lived with quiet purpose.
Gwenda held deeply to the Presbyterian faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Faith is the language some lives are written in. Gwenda's was one.
Gwenda Lee Cissell, 78, of Bassett, Arkansas, departed this life on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Trumann, Arkansas.Gwenda was born on January 6, 1948, in Dyess, Arkansas, to Howard Fincher Jr. and Evelyn Henard Fincher. She was a devoted homemaker who took great pride in caring for her family. Gwenda was a member of Bassett Presbyterian Church and was known for her kindness, strength, and deep love for those around her.She is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Joy Shempert.Gwenda is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Carl Edward Cissell; her son, Lance (Amy) Cissell of Bassett, Arkansas; her brother, Mark (Callie) Fincher of Dyess, Arkansas; her sister, Lynn (James) Smith of Springdale, Arkansas; her grandchildren, Weston (Marla) Cissell of Bassett, Arkansas, and Carlyn (Kane) Carpenter of Dyess, Arkansas; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Chiles Cissell, Sunny Cissell, and Wade Edward Carpenter.Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Delancey Funeral Home in Lepanto. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.Burial will follow at Louise Chapel Cemetery in Bassett, Arkansas.Arrangements are under the care of Delancey Funeral Home, Lepanto.
